Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101872 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow is littered with history, but some of our favourite dives are on the wrecks that don't always get the big guidebook treatment. The Unnamed Shipwreck, Canmore 101872, is one of those. We love how it feels like a personal discovery, not just another well-trodden site. Dropping down, the first thing that hits you is the sheer scale, even if it’s not one of the famous battleships. The visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, allowing you to really appreciate the structure. You’ll weave through ribs and plating, finding sections that still hold their shape, giving a real sense of the vessel’s original form. Keep an eye out for the plumose anemones, they cling to every surface, swaying gently in the slight surge. The nooks and crannies are perfect for wolfish, and we’ve often spotted conger eels peeking out from behind a bulkhead. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, perfect for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a wreck slowly being reclaimed by the sea, away from the crowds that sometimes swarm the bigger sites. It’s a great dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, allowing for plenty of exploration without being overly challenging.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.786950, -1.992503
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh Coast

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101872

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101872

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories